Assembly approves Heritage Land Bank work program after amendments to support housing goal

The Anchorage Assembly voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to approve the Heritage Land Bank (HLB) 2026 annual work program and the 2027–2031 management plan after adopting an amendment that adds language supporting the mayor’s goal of 10,000 homes in 10 years.

Public testimony during the hearing highlighted competing priorities for HLB parcels. Kathy Gleeson, president of the Turnagain Community Council, urged transfer of specific HLB parcels to the municipal parks department to protect coastal trails and wildlife habitat. Amanda Tuttle asked the Assembly to delay adoption until the plan’s references to the Girdwood comprehensive plan were corrected and raised concerns that the HLB plan omitted ongoing HLB responsibility for a federally listed old Girdwood levy; she cited Alaska statute Title 29 in arguing municipal code cannot supersede state area plans. A remote testifier representing a developer asked for an exclusive negotiation agreement for Parcel 6‑251 for a proposed Glacier Creek Resort and Spa and emphasized workforce housing and trail protections.

HLB and administration staff said they had researched the levee, coordinated with federal and state agencies, conducted site visits, and performed annual inspections. Member Brawley proposed an amendment to add preamble language making explicit the plan’s support for the mayor’s 10,000‑homes-in-10-years aspiration; the Assembly adopted that amendment and then approved the work program as amended by a recorded vote reported 12–0 (including the youth member).

The vote advances HLB’s management plan with new language aligning it with municipal housing priorities; city staff said subsequent implementation steps and any land transfers or negotiation agreements will follow the municipality’s standard review and approval processes.